Ceramics II Final Guide

Scoring (techniques)

The technique of creating rough surfaces on clay before joining pieces together. This enhances the bond between the clay sections during assembly.

Slab rolling (techniques)

A method of shaping clay by rolling it into flat sheets, typically used to create uniform thickness for building forms.

Extruding (techniques)

A process of forcing clay through a shaped die to create long, continuous shapes or forms, often used for making handles, pipes, or other uniform sections.

Potters wheel (techniques)

A device used to shape clay into symmetrical forms by spinning it while the potter molds the clay with their hands.

Wedging (techniques)

A technique used to prepare clay by kneading it to remove air bubbles and ensure uniform consistency before shaping.

Pulling handles (techniques)

A method of shaping clay by gradually pulling and stretching it to create handles for pots or other vessels, ensuring strength and a uniform appearance.

Ways to apply texture (techniques)

Methods used to create patterns or surfaces on pottery by using various tools or techniques.

Coiling (techniques)

A hand-building technique that involves rolling out ropes or coils of clay and stacking them to build up walls or shapes, allowing for creative forms in pottery.

Slab construction (techniques)

A hand-building method that involves rolling out sheets of clay and assembling them to form objects, allowing for greater control in shaping and detailing.

Pinching (techniques)

A hand-building method where clay is shaped by pinching the material with fingers, allowing for small pots, bowls, or unique forms.

Plastic (stages of clay)

The initial stage of clay that is soft, pliable, and easily shaped. It retains moisture and can be molded without cracking, making it ideal for hand-building techniques.

Leather-hard (stages of clay)

A state of clay that is firm yet still slightly damp, allowing it to hold its shape while still being workable for carving or joining pieces.

Bonedry (stages of clay)

The final stage of drying in which clay is completely moisture-free, making it fragile and ready for bisque firing.

Greenware (stages of clay)

Any clay that has been shaped and dried to a point where it is no longer plastic or leather-hard but has not yet been fired in a kiln. At this stage, it is fragile and must be handled with care.

Bisque ware (stages of clay)

Ceramic pieces that have been fired once in a kiln at a low temperature, making them hard and durable but still porous, ready for glazing.

Glaze ware slip (stages of clay)

Ceramic pieces that have been coated with a layer of glaze before being fired in a kiln, resulting in a final product that is often glossy and colorful.

Dust (stages of clay)

A fine powder of clay that can be formed into a paste or used to create slip, often recycled from trimming and shaping ceramics.

Bonding wheel (tools)

A tool used in ceramics to shape and form clay by rotating it while being manipulated by the potter.

Wire tool (tools)

A hand tool used in ceramics for cutting, trimming, and shaping clay, consisting of a wire attached to a handle.

Rib tool (tools)

A versatile hand tool used in ceramics for smoothing, shaping, and compressing the surface of clay, often made from wood, plastic, or metal.

Bat (tools)

A flat surface used in ceramics to support clay pieces during shaping, trimming, or glazing, allowing for easy removal and handling.

Sponge (tools)

A hand tool used in ceramics for applying water or glaze, as well as for cleaning surfaces and tools, typically made from natural or synthetic materials.

Paper templates (tools)

Thin sheets used to create patterns or shapes in ceramic work, assisting in cutting and shaping clay pieces accurately.

Shrinkage (vocab)

The reduction in size that occurs in clay during drying and firing due to the loss of moisture and the oxidation of materials.

Clay body (vocab)

A mixture of clay and other materials that determines the properties and final characteristics of the ceramic piece, such as color, texture, and firing temperature.

Matte/shiny glaze (vocab)

A type of ceramic glaze that can produce a non-reflective or reflective surface finish, affecting the overall aesthetic of the ceramic piece.

Glaze (vocab)

A liquid coating applied to pottery that produces a glass-like finish when fired. Glazes can enhance color, texture, and surface quality.

Under glaze (vocab)

A decorative layer applied to greenware or bisque ware before glazing, often used for detailed designs and colors.

Kiln (equipment)

A furnace used for firing ceramics, allowing clay pieces to harden and glazes to melt.

Plaster molds (equipment)

Used to create consistent shapes in pottery by pouring clay into a mold.

Extruder (equipment)

A device used to shape clay by forcing it through a die to create consistent forms like coils, slabs, or tiles.

Pug mill (equipment)

A machine used to mix and knead clay, removing air bubbles and achieving a uniform consistency.

Wedging table (equipment)

A flat surface used for kneading and preparing clay, ensuring it is free of air pockets and has a uniform texture.

Centering (potter’s wheel)

The process of aligning the clay on the potter's wheel to achieve symmetry and balance during shaping.

Cut-in (potter’s wheel)

A technique used to alter a piece of clay on the wheel by cutting into it, typically to create texture or design.

Open up (potter’s wheel)

Raise/form (potter’s wheel)

Trim (potter’s wheel)

Line (elements/principles)

Shape (elements/principles)

Color (elements/principles)

Form (elements/principles)

Texture (elements/principles)

Value (elements/principles)

Space (elements/principles)

Contrast (elements/principles)

Balance (elements/principles)

Emphasis (elements/principles)

Rhythm (elements/principles)

Pattern (elements/principles)

Movement (elements/principles)

Unity (elements/principles)

Harmony (elements/principles)

Proportion (elements/principles)